We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. Cookies perform functions like recognising you each time you visit and delivering advertising messages that are relevant to you. Read more here

Quick links

The Red Pony

Lewis Milestone(1949)

84min

PG Certificate

Watchlist

ADVERTISEMENT

Review

Our Score

by Adrian Turner

This film version of John Steinbeck's tale about a boy and his horse is an awkward blend of children's adventure and social realist drama, and it isn't really good enough in either department. However, while Myrna Loy seems miscast as the boy's mum, Robert Mitchum is impressive as the ranch hand. The boy is played by Peter Miles, who, as Richard Miles, went on to write the novel That Cold Day in the Park, which in turn was filmed by Robert Altman. But the best thing here is the fine "outdoor" score by Aaron Copland, who also wrote the music for Milestone's earlier Steinbeck adaptation, Of Mice and Men.

Summary

A boy seeks solace from his feuding family through his friendships with his beloved pony and a ranch hand, whom he idolises. When the animal dies his relationship with his father seems to be damaged irreparably. Drama based on a short story by John Steinbeck, starring Robert Mitchum, Myrna Loy and Peter Miles.